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After years of procrastinating, I decided it was time to get my dream car (as a youth)

The e39 was always a special car to me, the timeless and classic BMW looks and the "wolf in sheep's clothing" character. I had to itch this scratch and tick this off my bucket list! With prices slowly creeping up, the search had to begin!

I decided to start looking for an e39 last year.

I had a specific choice of specification:

Black Facelift

Black leather

Titanium interior trim

As standard as possible

In October, I found one which seemed to tick my boxes in Wales and after confirming a price and arranging a deal, the seller decided he was keeping the car and did not end up selling the car to me. I was heartbroken.

Many M5s have been on the market since but non caught my eye up until a few weeks ago.

I set my eyes on a 2002 M5 which looked like it needed some TLC but ticked my boxes. Black, Facelift and with the interior I wanted.

After seeing the car, it was clear it needed some loving as it has been parked up for some time and neglected however it was now or never and I wanted a car which needed (some) loving. After a test drive, the deal was done and I was the owner of a M5!

Heres the Original Spec:

Tyre Pressure Control

Gradual Tint Windscreen

Electric Steel Sunroof

First Aid Kit and Triangle

Smoker Package

Individual Audio System

Through Load System

Park Distance Control

Rain Sensor and Auto Light Activation

On-Board Monitor with TV Cordless GSM Telephone

BMW 6 Disc CD Changer

Australia version

Ski Bag

Front Sliding Arm Rest

CD Preparation

She has some (subtle) mods - a tubi exhaust, window tints (they will be coming off ASAP!) and the previous owner ripped out most of the OEM sound system!

My plan is to restore her to her former glory!

I have a list of things I want to do!

I have a few other cars in my Garage including a Stage 2 Golf R and Audi S5 (3.0 Supercharged)

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The growling noise after 2500rpm was just as we suspected, the rod bearings showed serious signs of wear. With the previous owner changing the VANOS, chain tensioner and valve guides, the rod bearings (the only other major job they didn't carry out) decided to give in 3 weeks into MY ownership!

We were unphased, With the parts costing over £500, an evening late after work, we found why the engine sounded like a bag of spanners! Luckily we prevented further damage to the engine.

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We had some clear weather yesterday! decided to do some bits to the the E39!

OEM F86 LED number plates unit fitted.

fitting was almost plug and play as i got the LED units with the connector loom still plugged in and cut from the X6M

just required soldering and coding... they physically fit the E39 too..Unlike after market units these don't light up half of the road behind you making the plate ineligible! Coded out the "cold checking" on the LCM too so no strobe effects on start up.

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We removed the headlights and repaired both the adjustment clips. A pain in the backside especially when we did not want to remove the lenses as I am concerned any replacement sealant is inferior to the OEM sealant and the last thing I want is misty headlights.

Just need to take the car into work to make sure the beam pattern is legal!

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2018 Maps / V32 firmware with 3d (Birds eye) view maps and custom ///M boot screen
Even though I use Waze on my mobile phone, always good to have the latest maps / firmware on the car - the ///M logo adds some bhp i am sure

TrafficMaster unit replaced with OEM Cupholders
The cup holders are flimsy ..but atleast the centre console has some purpose now. Cup holders can hold cans and small coffee cups with ease

Headlight clips replaced
I can finally see the road! managed to work on the lights without the need to remove the lenses ..

Osram CoolBlueBoost headlight bulbs fitted
These light up the road well, looks so much more modern. I was running Xenarc night breakers, however the Osram CoolBlue are amazing. They have the highest Lumens rating for a d2s bulb.

Steering wheel replaced with OEM wheel (slightly thicker) courtesy of Royal Steering Wheels
The car feels brand new now!! I opted for the non perforated wheel to match the OEM finish along with the tricolour stitching

F10 Gearknob fitted with custom tri colour stitching along with matching handbrake boot
with the f10 knob being weighted, the throw feels "connected" more and satisfying. The oem broomstick knob was shockingly bad!

OEM Chrome kidney grilles fitted
Front end looks so much better with the correct grilles, breaks up the lines too..

AirCon regassed (now ice cold!)
With the aircon not working, I was worried one it may have been a painful fix but a simple regas has fixed things

AutoDimming Mirror glass replaced
we got the mirror from "Mirror John" who is well known on the scene for providing replacing glass for the E39 / E46

///M badge refreshed
thanks to a replacement sticker which can be purchased from ebay which can be purchased for around £6

So many more bits to do including refurbishing the alloys in the original shadow chrome, suspension and brake overhual but slowly getting there!

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dropped off my car last week to Chapman Detailing I saw his interior a few months ago where he dyed his seats which brought life back to the interior. The previous owner did a poor job of dyeing his seats and I knew Tony was the best man for the job!

His unit is in Surrey, fully secure and Tony has a slight case of OCD so I knew he was going to do a good job!